Four Months and counting

Camille is four months old today, and checked in at 13 lbs 8oz this morning with a height of 24". She's in the 50 percentile across the board (height, weight, head, proportions). Perfect:-) But I already knew that!

Still here, just tired

Most days I have energy but not today. Blah.

For the past month, no matter how healthy I've eaten and despite 5 days/wk of exercising and solely breastfeeding, I haven't been able to lose any more baby weight. Very discouraging. Then I realized my fingernails haven't been growing at all. Hmm. I remembered that my OB still had a 'standing order' to have my TSH tested until March. I took the blood test last week and the result was 22.8. (Normal is 1.0- 4.0). Severe hypothyroidism. I've been faithful about my meds but guess we're going to have to up the dose. Until my thyroid is regulated again, it's just going to take extra effort to be Mommy and Domestic Manager.

Glad I have a reason for the lack of weight loss:-) I wouldn't want Ben & Jerry to be at fault!

Homegrown Valentine's

Our little family celebrated Valentine's Day yesterday. It's hard to wait too long for a special dinner (and dessert!). We had ordered a platter of sushi 'to go' and Russell and I spent Friday afternoon baking our (very un-red) "Red Velvet Cake." Note: don't look for red food coloring on the days before V-day... and a bottle of sparkling wine completed our celebration.

When all is said and done, I want to look back over my life and celebrate the relationships I've had, whether friendships, family, or my marriage & kids. It's the only thing that will matter. In the mean time, here's to loving and serving others today:-)

Move over Michael, here comes Russell!

Yesterday was the first day of Russell's swim lessons. I brought my camera for the unknown to follow. He is fearful of our HOA's pools and usually clings to me for a minute or so before insisting he be returned to the pool steps. The thing is, we live in California where there are more pools than most states' combined. He needs to at least be able to have the skills to survive a fall, lest it happen. I also really wanted him to be challenged and learn to obey authority other than myself or Dan. I don't see the need for him to be in preschool and so this is a perfect opportunity for his personal growth.

Out of the 30 minute lesson, only 5 minutes were filled with tears. The teacher was firm but patient and instructed him to breath/blow out air and count to 10. He did great and the other parents said he'd done well for his first lesson.

Move over Michael Phelps, here comes Russell;-) Maybe the 2028 games?

Okay, so maybe there was a little bribe involved, but we all need a reward for trying hard, don't we?

Visiting Friends

While visiting my family, I was blessed to catch up with a few friends as well. Kate (above) is a friend from my high-school days. She recently moved back to the Island from Halifax. (Below) Sue recently moved back to Victoria as well but from my hometown here in California. It was a little strange to have my California life and my B.C. life overlap because they are really quite separate. Once Russell got over his cranky spirit for the day, the boys had a fun time together:-)

I was also able to catch up with Jen and Tanya. No pictures to share but I really enjoyed our lunch together and the conversation. Thank you, ladies!

Visit to Vancouver Island

We try and spend Russell's birthday on the Island if it is our 'off' year for Christmas in B.C., so I packed the kids up and we flew up to Victoria on the 31st for seven days.

My surviving grandparent is my Grandmother and it was really sweet to see her hold Camille. I didn't get a 'four generation' photo of Camille, me, my Dad, and Grandmother, which I regret. My grandmother is 97 years old and time is borrowed.

We celebrated Russell's fourth birthday in style! My dad rented a clown costume and Russell kept eyeing my dad's gig. Lots of fun!

One morning, my Mom and I and the kids went down to Cowichan Bay for a nice walk. It was quite cool so we didn't stay long. Russell found the bakery with no problem:-)

Sisters:-) Candice and myself.

My mom and her granddaughter. It was so nice to have a helping hand with Camille. Baby Girl is social and doesn't like to be put to nap if she can otherwise be engaged.

For a special lunch, my Dad and I went out to A&W. This may not seem like a treat but since we rarely eat fast food, it was:-) Most of the A&W's here in the Bay area are now tacoria's or car washes:-( Nothing like yummy onion rings and root beer served in a frozen glass.

I love Camille's 'bunny suit' and sadly she is growing out of it. The poor kid keeps getting wedged into it every time we leave the house but that's okay for now;-) The stewardess wanted to hold Camille and I appreciated the help. She was really sweet to Russell as well and gave him a package of wax-like straws to mold during the flight.

We arrived home on Saturday and relaxed all day Sunday. Russell was so glad to see his toys and hasn't wanted to be entertained by us since!

Update soon

The kids and I have been in Victoria, B.C. since last Sunday, the 31st. We got home last night safe but tired. Will updated soon:-)